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"I always keep my head on a swivel," Ward said Tuesday. "It's football. ... Their heads should be on a swivel."

Some Bengals players hinted at payback after Ward's block ended Rivers' season during Pittsburgh's 38-10 victory on Oct. 19. Rivers, who can't oppose Ward again until next season, said, "You reap what you sow. What goes around comes around."

The Bengals avoided such talk Tuesday, no doubt trying to prevent any distractions during a short work week before a rivalry game.

Said Ward: "I'll apologize for the guy being out the whole year, Rivers, but there's nothing I can do about it. I'm not going to apologize for the way I play this game. Nobody's going to apologize to me if I get knocked out going over the middle."

Browns survive at Buffalo

All it took was a nod from Phil Dawson, and the Cleveland Browns put their recent turmoil in the rearview mirror.

Dawson kicked a career-long 56-yard field goal with 1:39 remaining Monday night, and the Browns escaped Ralph Wilson Stadium with a 29-27 victory over reeling Buffalo when Bills kicker Rian Lindell missed a 47-yard field goal in the final minute.

"On the spur of the moment, you've got to be confident," said Dawson, who missed what would have been a career-long 54-yarder with 25 seconds to play in a 14-11 loss at Washington in October. "I kicked six field goals one time, and we lost, so I'll take five and a win anytime. ... I've been here a long time, and I just want to see this team win."

■ Cleveland Browns tight end Kellen Winslow will have an MRI on his right shoulder after injuring it in the closing minutes of Monday night's win over the Buffalo bills.

Former NFL official dies

Jack Reader, who spent nearly 50 years in NFL officiating and worked two Super Bowls, has died. He was 82. He died of cancer Nov. 10, a day before his birthday, the NFL said Tuesday.